Gateway Distriparks Strengthens Western India Presence via Ankleshwar MMLP
What were the key reasons for choosing Ankleshwar MMLP for this exclusive agreement?
Ankleshwar is a major manufacturing hub and is strategically located near key industrial clusters such as Ankleshwar GIDC, Panoli, Bharuch, Jhagadia, Dahej, and Hazira. The Sawariya Group developed the MMLP and was looking to partner with a container train operator. GDL, on the other hand, was seeking to expand its rail network with a presence in this region, as this belt generates significant cargo volumes for both EXIM and domestic segments.Additionally, the MMLP is directly connected to the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC), enabling double-stack train operations and ensuring cost-efficient, effective cargo movement—aligning with our goal of shifting more cargo from road to rail. This represents a new model for GDL, following an asset-light approach, where the terminal has been developed by the Sawariya Group, and rail operations will be managed exclusively by Gateway Distriparks.
How does this partnership fit into GDL’s long-term expansion strategy in Western India?
We had earlier announced our intention to expand our footprint across the North-West corridor. We already have four terminals in the North and one in the West, so this location fits perfectly with our plans. Gujarat is a critical industrial and logistics hub, and Ankleshwar enhances our connectivity to both manufacturing clusters and major ports.The facility, with an initial capacity of 200,000 TEUs annually and significant warehousing space, can be expanded multifold in phases as demand grows, given that the total land bank of the MMLP spans over 120 acres. The agreement allows us to cater to both domestic and EXIM cargo flows, while also enabling hub-and-spoke operations for our JNPT volumes. Most importantly, the asset-light partnership ensures efficient expansion and gives us the flexibility to respond quickly to emerging opportunities in the market.
Are there plans to replicate similar agreements at other MMLPs across India?
Yes, certainly. Ankleshwar serves as a template that demonstrates how partnerships can help us expand our footprint quickly while minimizing capital risk. We see significant potential to replicate this model at other MMLPs and logistics hubs across India, particularly in regions with strong industrial growth and connectivity to the DFC. While we haven’t announced specific locations yet, we are actively exploring similar opportunities.How does the asset-light model benefit GDL in scaling operations quickly?
The asset-light model allows us to scale operations and expand our network much faster, while running more efficient operations. It enables us to triangulate cargo for domestic operations and establish more hubs to consolidate shipments—reducing empty runs and maximizing double-stacking. This approach lets us focus on our core strength: operating efficient rail logistics while keeping fixed costs low.
Published on:
23 October 2025
Published in: Lifting & Specialized Transport, September-October, 2025
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